In an effort to help stimulate visitor-related economic activity and increased tourism this past year, the chamber created a new Special Events Committee and re-activated a California High School Rodeo Finals Committee, which prepared a comprehensive and incentives-loaded bid to host the annual California High School Rodeo Finals to Red Bluff in 2010 and 2011.

Well, the bid to lure the high school rodeo fell on deaf ears, however the Special Events Committee hit two balls out of the park by taking over the annual 4th of July fireworks show and staging the Ribs, Rods and Rides Hot Air Balloon Festival this past October.

The fireworks show was expanded to twice its previous length and was augmented by a day-long Heritage Days Celebration complete with entertainment, lawnmower races, strongman competition, community food booths and a drawing for $10,000.

The Hot Air Balloon Festival – Ribs, Rods, and Rides attracted 15 majestic balloons and was accompanied by a classic car show and an invitation-only rib cook-off.

The event, hosted and sponsored by Rolling Hills Casino, drew thousands of spectators.

These two events demonstrated what can be achieved when chamber members get invloved in chamber activities geared to bring notice and people to our community.

Chamber President Kristin Behrens invites all chamber members to get more involved in these chamber activities and to review the list of other chamber committees and sign-up for the committees of their choice in order to help the chamber with its activities designed to improve the economic climate of our area.

Behrens says involvement in the chamber is not limited to owners or managers of businesses, but is welcomed by all employees of chamber business members.

“The chamber is involved in a wide variety of activities and projects and should satisfy the needs of everyone who wants to get involved in building a better community,” Behrens says.

Chamber committees and their missions include:

Special Events Committee – to explore and develop ideas for special events for the area in an effort to attract visitors and tourists.

Local Government Services Committee – to assist local government agencies with proposed projects and ordinances affecting business; and to ensure a business presence in local government decision making.

Round-Up Week Promotion Committee – to plan and carry out Round-Up Week with activities designed to help promote the Annual Red Bluff Round-Up Rodeo. 4th of July Heritage Days Celebration Committee – to plan and carry out 4th of July Fireworks Show and attendant activities.

Hot Air Balloon Festival Committee – to assist with planning and co-ordinating activities of the Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Red Bluff-Tehama County Convention and Vistiors Bureau (Tourism Committee) – to plan and carry out various programs designed to attract visitors and tourists to our area.

Membership Recruitment Committee – to carry out an on-going program of membership solicitation, recruitment, and retention.

Community Leadership Development – to implement an educational and motivational program with the purpose of identifying and developing community leadership.

To participate, Chamber members are urged to contact the chamber office at 530-527-6220. Your name will be added to your preferred committee roster and you will be invited to its next meeting. As simple as that. If you have any questions regarding any of the committees, feel free to call Executive Vice President John Yingling at this same number.